Premier League 8-1 LaLiga
English clubs have thrashed their Spanish counterparts in the Champions League this season: 8-1.
Chelsea defeated Barcelona, and the Premier League defeated La Liga. Once again. Yet again. This season, the Champions League is making the gap between the English and Spanish leagues particularly clear. So far in the top continental competition, teams from England and Spain have faced each other nine times, with an overwhelming record: 8-1 in favour of the English sides.
Only Barcelona managed a win, in Newcastle at the start of the competition—a fleeting illusion in light of what has followed. Real Madrid fell at Anfield, Atlético at both Liverpool and the Emirates Stadium, Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, Villarreal at St. James’ Park and at home against Manchester City, and Athletic Club both at Newcastle and at San Mamés against Arsenal.
Something is happening. The two major European leagues, which earned an extra spot last season by finishing in the top two positions in the UEFA rankings, are diverging sharply in favour of the Premier League. Meanwhile, excessive spending on transfers and the forced sale of key players are beginning to take a toll on Spanish clubs.
The manner of their defeats has been particularly painful. Physically, the English league is increasingly superior to the Spanish one. The pace of their matches—especially those played in England—is relentless compared with Spanish fixtures. Spanish clubs are not just losing; they are being overwhelmed. Barcelona’s defeat at Chelsea is the latest example.
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Another decisive factor is set pieces. In most encounters between English and Spanish teams, goals from set plays favour the Premier League sides. This was true for Barcelona’s 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge, just as it was for Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. This aspect of the game seems increasingly refined in English football compared with Spanish football. Everything adds up, and everything subtracts.
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